This mom is dealing with a crap ton of stress. Mom is trying to work things out because life has thrown me nothing but curveballs. There have been times when my stress management could have been better. No one wants to hear about the stress and lack of balance in someone else’s life, but that’s the only thing I have to offer you right now.

Does that make me more relatable? Or just a whiny baby b#$&*#? I’m going to call it both to make myself feel better.

I have let stress take over my life. I may have overloaded my plate by working a part-time job, serving as PTA president without a board, and then managing regular life responsibilities. But those extra things make me happy and are part of what enriches my life, only becoming a problem when life gets in the way.

Life has just gotten hard, and now I’m dealing with an aging parent. There has been a lot of transition in life, which hasn’t left much time for the “fun” things in life. I’m trying to push through, but I’m failing at everything. I’m left feeling mentally and emotionally exhausted.

I didn’t work out for a month because I had to fill that time with doctor’s appointments, the end of school, cleaning, decluttering, and more cleaning. I was on my feet all day and felt like I was making no progress. I fell behind at work when I was working, and there wasn’t much time for those side jobs I love so much.

There are moments I feel I’ve lost touch with life and all the things I love so much about it.

Identifying Common Stress Triggers

The past month has been eye-opening in helping me identify the stress triggers in my life. Stress triggers can vary from person to person, but some familiar sources are common to many. Work pressures, financial concerns, and relationship issues often top the list of concerns. Currently, I’m feeling stressed about having to take care of an aging parent who is resistant to every step of the way. My family has gone through many changes in just the past month. It has been a challenging situation to manage in the long term.

Recognizing your personal stress triggers is the first step toward effectively managing them. I wish I were a person who could journal, but having one more thing to do throughout the day tends to stress me out more. It’s been recommended to keep a stress journal for a week, noting when you feel most overwhelmed and what’s happening around you.

Environmental factors, such as noise, crowded spaces, or certain scents, can also trigger stress responses. Pay attention to how your body reacts in different settings. I didn’t realize how much environmental factors bothered me.  

For example, Things I used to love to do, like going to spin class or playing video games, triggered me more during my downtime. I’ve learned that simply going outside to run or walk has been the most beneficial thing for me, as it’s a calmer environment. The busier streets with more traffic tend to increase my stress even more. It’s remarkable how these seemingly insignificant things add up to form a bigger picture during times of high stress.

Research from Berkeley suggests that some stress can be beneficial, motivating us to take action and grow. The key is learning to differentiate between helpful and harmful stress.

The Role of Emotional Well-being

Emotional well-being plays a crucial role in how we perceive and handle stress. It’s the foundation of our resilience and ability to bounce back from challenges.

Self-awareness is key to emotional well-being. Take time each day to check in with yourself. How are you feeling? What’s contributing to those emotions?

Practicing gratitude can significantly boost emotional well-being. Try listing three things you’re thankful for each day, no matter how small.

Remember, emotional well-being isn’t about being happy all the time. It’s about having the tools to navigate all emotions effectively.

Mindfulness Practices for Stress Relief

Mindfulness is a powerful tool in our arsenal for managing stress. By focusing on the present moment, we can reduce anxiety about the future and regrets about the past.

Benefits of a Balanced Diet and Physical Activity

What we eat and how we move our bodies have a significant impact on our stress levels. A balanced diet provides the nutrients our bodies need to cope with stress, while physical activity releases endorphins, our natural stress-fighters.

Aim for a diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables. These foods provide steady energy and help regulate mood. Avoid excessive caffeine and sugar, which can lead to energy crashes and increased anxiety.

Regular physical activity doesn’t have to mean intense workouts; it can simply involve moderate exercise. A 30-minute walk, a yoga session, or even dancing to your favorite music can boost your mood and reduce stress.

Remember, consistency is key. Find activities you enjoy and make them a regular part of your routine. Your body and mind will thank you!

Building Healthy Relationships

Healthy relationships are a cornerstone of effective stress management. They provide support, understanding, and a sense of belonging that can buffer us against life’s challenges.

I pull away when times get stressful. I’m not the person to tell you I’m not doing well until I’ve crashed out. During times of stress, I’ve learned that I need to make a greater effort to maintain my healthy relationships by simply talking or spending time with others. When I start to pull away from people, that is the first sign I am stressed.

Establishing Boundaries for Well-being

Setting and maintaining healthy boundaries is crucial for our well-being and the health of our relationships. Boundaries help us protect our energy and ensure our needs are met.

Start by identifying your limits. What behaviors from others make you uncomfortable? What do you need to feel respected and valued? Communicate these boundaries clearly and consistently.

Remember, it’s okay to say no. Overcommitting often leads to stress and resentment. Practice saying no kindly but firmly when necessary.

The University of Georgia Health Center emphasizes that healthy boundaries are a two-way street. Respect others’ boundaries as you would want yours respected.

Support Systems and Coping Strategies

A strong support system is invaluable in managing stress. These are the people you can turn to when life gets tough, who offer a listening ear or a helping hand.

Identify your key support people. This might include family, friends, mentors, or support groups. Don’t hesitate to reach out when you need help or want to talk.

Develop a variety of coping strategies. What works for one situation might not work for another. Some effective strategies include:

• Journaling
• Talking to a friend
• Engaging in a hobby
• Practicing mindfulness
• Seeking professional help when needed

Michigan State University Extension suggests that family can be a significant source of both support and stress. Learning to navigate family relationships healthily is crucial for overall stress management.

All in all, I’m just a girl trying to hold it together during a shitty time in life. I am grateful for the beautiful life I get to lead, but I wish I could spend more time enjoying it. I’m just a mom going through some stuff, and I know others can relate. Stress does suck the life out of life, but we’re all trying to make it through.

It’s essential to take care of yourself, recognize your triggers, and establish boundaries so you can be the best version of yourself. If you don’t show up for yourself, no one else will. It’s often hard to remember that when you’re going through a situation. But the most crucial person in your life is you, so don’t let yourself come to the bottom of the list.